introducing our advisors circle members

I’m pleased to finally introduce you to our Advisors Circle panel! Like I mentioned earlier, we had a lot of applicants, and I’ve already told you how much I enjoyed reading every single submission. It took days, and I loved it because it was honestly so wonderful to get to know you better. So a huge thank you to everyone who applied, and I’m sorry I couldn’t choose everyone.

I also want to re-iterate that every member of this community is important to us, and I would love for you all to get more involved here. If you have an idea for a blog post or something you’d like to contribute to the community please get in touch! Here are some of the many ways you can reach me: join one of our private Facebook groups (Liesl + Co. Friends or Oliver + S Friends) where you can post your photos or ideas. Email me at askme@oliverands.com if you want to be in touch privately with a suggestion or an idea for a blog post–and especially if you’d like to contribute a post! Follow us on Instagram (@oliverands and –brand new!– @lieslandco). Tag us on Instagram (#oliverands, #lieslandco, or #sewlisette). And don’t forget our discussion forums–an especially useful resource if you have questions about a pattern, since there is an archive of questions and answers. There’s also Pinterest, Flickr (Oliver + S, Liesl + Co., and SewLisette, etc.) And of course be sure to sign up for our newsletter (where you can also choose to have blog posts emailed directly to you). We would love to hear from you and want to include anyone who wants to be more involved here. Like they say, it takes a village!

So without further ado, here are our panelists. I ended up choosing 12 people because it was just too difficult to narrow the choices down any further. I hope you’ll join me in welcoming them. I’m looking forward to working with them so we can all learn from each other! I asked each member to write a short introduction, and here they are.

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Hi! I’m Emily and I love sewing for myself and my two girls.  (I also hope to sew more than just lounge pants for my husband in the near future).  I am on Instagram and blog at Replicate then Deviate.  I found sewing as a new stay at home mom with a baby who never slept.  We had just moved to southeastern Idaho and were sharing a car and it was winter.  I stumbled upon the Lazy Days skirt tutorial and a new friend helped me sew it on her sewing machine.  I was hooked and immediately asked my parents if they could bring me the sewing machine I inherited from my grandma.  Sewing and creating has helped me in times of loss and sadness and helped me bring joy to others. I am thrilled to be a part of the Liesl + Co. Advisors Circle!  I have learned so much from Oliver + S and Lisette patterns and am eager to keep learning!

 

Hello there! I’m Claire and I’m super excited to be a member of the Advisors Circle. I originally hail from Scotland, but currently reside in the equally beautiful Seattle area of Washington state. I’ve been sewing for just over two years now and would class myself as an advanced beginner. As sewing goes, I have fairly eclectic tastes, in the sense that I sew from both independent and Big 4 patterns, sew for myself, my toddler and my husband, and like both wovens and knits! I tend to go more for patterns that are everyday staples, but have been known to sew up an occasion dress or two. I’m also a sucker for big geometric prints and am trying hard to work through my stash this year. When I’m not sewing, I love going to the movies, catching up with friends over a glass of wine, and triathlon training among other things. I’m a stay-at-home mum at the moment but have worked for around 20 years as a journalist and editor in the energy and video game industries. You can read about my projects at Belle Citadel and also on Instagram. Nice to meet you!

 

Hi everyone!  My name is Elisabeth Larsen.  I live in Pleasant Grove, Utah, and you can find me on Instagram.  I love sewing clothing, and I do a mixture of sewing for myself and my three children–ages 8, 5, and 3.  I really enjoy customizing patterns and learning new sewing skills.  Most recently, I added in a ruffle to the side seams of the Recital Shirt, and I’ve also recently added the placket from the Parachute Polo to the School Bus Tee to make a henley.  When I’m not sewing, you can find me cooking/baking/working on new recipes, reading, exercising, or doing crossword puzzles.

 

I am Lori and I blog at Girls in the Garden, since 2006, almost since the beginning of blogging time.  My favorite thing to sew is clothing which is mostly for myself, occasionally for a daughter and occurring more often for my growing number of grands.  Sewing started in school with a class but my Mom was the one that helped to develop my love of sewing.  I would sew and sew and Mom would unsew all my mistakes. It was great!  I also blog at Mood Sewing Network and feel so fortunate to be part of this great online sewing community, which now includes being part of the Liesl + Co. Advisors Circle.

 

I’m Meredith! I’m excited to be a part of the Advisors Circle.  I have been sewing for a little more than eight years, and I dabble in most aspects of the craft. I started out making quilts, but soon realized the ridiculous amount I would produce if I made one every month or two from the time I was 20 until my old age. It seemed terribly impractical, and I soon discovered Oliver + S and the brilliant mind of Liesl Gibson. I don’t exaggerate when I say that sewing through her patterns and learning new skills set aflame an intense love of sewing garments for my kids and I. I make all of our dresses and the majority of the rest of our clothing. I would be hard pressed to say if I loved sewing for my children or myself more, but why choose? I blog all about my sewing adventures over at Olivia Jane Handcrafted and you can find a less polished, more active version of me over on Instagram if you like to see what I’m up to as I’m working on it. I’m looking forward to an exciting 2018 as part of Liesl’s team!

 

Lisa Hawkes and her husband Rob of 30 years live in the New England area of the United States. With her youngest off to college (her son), she enjoys sewing for herself and her two 20 something daughters, as well as children’s clothes that incorporate her favorite hobby: smocking. She loves to sew with a great print and considers navy her go to neutral. You won’t find her sewing this year’s Pantone color of the year, or anything beige. She is the owner of Pink Hollybush Designs, an online fabric and pattern store that specializes in smocking supplies. Lisa served for two years as the President of the Smocking Arts Guild of America, and has her Artisan level certification in smocking and construction. She blogs at Pink Hollybush Design and can also be found on Facebook , Pinterest, and Instagram.

 

Hi I’m Lesley King from a small village outside Edinburgh in Scotland (made famous by an author called Dan Brown who seemed to think the Holy Grail is here; hint it’s not). I’ve been sewing since 2012, and I quickly became consumed by sewing. I mostly sew for myself with occasional side projects for my two young daughters and my husband. My eldest daughter (to my shame) has been going through a long princess phase so I’ve been trawling charity shops for old bridesmaid dresses to upcycle into Disney princesses. (My youngest is happy dressed as a Gruffalo shouting ‘Rarrrr’.) I work in international development on aid projects in Africa as a day job–primarily environment focused projects. One of the reasons that sewing resonates so strongly with me is its a way of me bringing my hobby and work together. By reducing my reliance on buying ready-to-wear clothes I’m reducing my impact on both the environment but also the lives of people who make these clothes. I’m looking forward to being part of the Advisors Circle. I’ve been using Oliver + S patterns for a few years and love the quality-looking clothes they produce.

 

My name is Darcy Struble. I’m a mother of two and a group exercise leader at the YMCA. I have been sewing Oliver + S patterns since my daughter was born (almost six years ago now). These patterns were what sparked my love for sewing apparel. I love fashion and though I am no fashion expert, I enjoy testing new styles and trying to better define my personal style. Aside from sewing and teaching exercise classes, I lead my daughter’s Daisy Girl Scout troop (hello cookie season!), and I volunteer teach 6th-8th grade flutes at a local middle school. You can find me on Instagram. Seriously, I’m literally always on Instagram. I also have a blog, Darcy Struble, where I will be sharing my sewing projects! I’m so excited to be here!

 

Hi, I am Camelia and I started to sew back in 2008, trying to find a hobby, never knew the joy I will get in the years to come. Transforming a piece of cloth into a garment to wear, gives me always an wonderful feeling. I love fabric and matching fabrics with the right patterns. Over the years sewing has became my relaxing time. I share my makes at Calcedonia Sewing and my fabric addiction is often to be seen on my Instagram.

 

My name is Ana Sofia and I live in Lisbon, Portugal–an amazing city full of light. I’ve been sewing for as long as I remember but I decided to take it a bit more serious when I entered University, as I was committed to sew my entire wardrobe (just for the record: it didn’t happen! I’m still pretty much learning). I can’t resist a good sewing challenge (I bet you can’t either!) and take as much pleasure from sewing my kids’ clothing as I do for myself. I love having the opportunity of challenging myself and learning a bit more each time I take a new (sewing) project. Currently I’m a bit obsessed with smocking. My style is timeless, classic and some might add a bit conservative – but not boring! When sewing for my kids, I love to add fun details while keeping the final garment comfortable and stylish. As my kids grow I try to focus on clothes that fit their sense of style. “Sewing for teens” can be so challenging (and rewarding)! For myself, I’m currently committed to create a capsule wardrobe, so I tend to favor clean lines and good-fitting designs. I’m passionate about sewing (and fashion in general), I’m very organized and methodical in my work. I love to share my love for sewing with others. You can find me at S is for Sewing and Instagram.

 

My name is Erica, and I’m a mother of a daughter and two sons.  A few years ago we moved to Toronto from New York City, though my husband and I are both from California.  I had a passion for sewing, fashion, and clothing construction in all of my teen years, but I never had the courage to pursue it beyond a home hobby.  When I left for university, my sewing machines were tucked away for years, and having children renewed my interests in sewing again.  Parenting a child with exceptional needs eventually took precedence over my professional career, where I formerly worked at a major auction house and at several museums.  I recently decided to resuscitate my career and finally finish my doctoral degree in Art History.  When I am not elbow-deep in archival research, you often can find me cajoling my young children through large museums, daydreaming about my next sewing projects, shuttling between ballet and hockey practices, or cooking dinner.

 

Hi! I’m Jessica and I’m thrilled to be a part of the Advisors Circle! My sewing journey began as an adolescent making costumes, but my biggest gain in skill came when I worked in a costume shop as a college student and was able to learn firsthand from professionals. Sewing took on a new importance in my life after I had my daughters and found it impossible to find well fitting clothing in stores. In fact, that is also when I found the Curvy Sewing Collective where I’m now part of the editor team. Clothing should make everyone feel good about themselves! Sewing is something that helps my life function, but also provides me a space to be creative. I work full time and spend most of my limited sewing time making my work wardrobe, but I also make pajamas and special occasion clothing for my daughters. I also have a deep love of historical clothing and volunteer at a local museum where I wear my own Victorian/Edwardian reproductions. I blog about my sewing and knitting at Always A Crafty Lady and am on Instagram as AlwaysACraftyLady.